top of page
IPA HK2014

Our Background

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), one of the top 25 professional accounting bodies in terms of membership numbers in the world, is an innovative and flexible professional membership body for accountants, having a proud heritage, representing the interests of over 37,000 members in the SME/SMP arena for over 90 years.


Globally, the IPA represents the interests of members and students across 51 countries with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.


The IPA has strong global connections through its full membership of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and through our appointment to the Professional Accountancy Organisation Development Committee with the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA).


As an IPA member, you will be on the right path to a successful career in a profession that is dynamic and exciting.

About US: About
Glass Buildings

Our History

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is one of Australia's oldest representative professional bodies, formed over 90 years ago. 

  • 1923 - Institute of Factory and Cost Accountants, formed in Melbourne, Victoria.

  • 1950 - Institute of Taxation and Cost Accountants, name change.

  • 1957 - National Institute of Accountants, name change.

  • 1967 - Institute of Commercial Studies, name change.

  • 1970 - Institute of Affiliate Accountants, name change.

  • 1988 - National Institute of Accountants, adoption of the precedent name.

  • 2002 - NIA gazetted as an authorised assessing authority for skilled migration to Australia.

  • 2004 - NIA became a member of the International Federation of Accountants.

  • 2007 - NIA became a member of Asia Oceania Tax Consultants' Association.

  • 2011 - the NIA changes it name and adopts a new identity, becoming the Institute of Public Accountants.

  • 2011 - The IPA becomes a member of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants.

  • 2012 - The IPA is included in the BRW's 2012 Most Innovative Companies List

  • 2013 - The IPA celebrates its 90th birthday.

  • 2015 - The IPA acquires the Institute of Financial Accountants in the UK, bringing our membership base to 35,000 across 80+ countries.

Throughout all phases of history, we have supported and championed our members and the profession. We are here to protect and support our members as well as the SME/SMP sector, and to ensure our members gain appropriate professional recognition.

Click here for more information on our Professional Recognition.

About US: About Me
bottom of page